Environmental Science Mr. Sierra Atmosphere & Climate Environmental Science

Famous quote: “The atmosphere is the key symbol of global interdependence”. ~ Margaret Mead

Composition

CO2 Carbon Dioxide Typically measured in ppm which means Parts Per Million Today: 401 ppm http://co2now.org/ Industrial Revolution about 200 years ago Any guess where it is today?

Layers of the Atmosphere

Layers of the Atmosphere CGI Preview Video RedBull Website (Because most weather and climate change is occurring in the lower two layers, that is where we will focus in environmental science.) Troposphere- the layer closest to Earth's surface extending roughly 16 km (10 miles) above Earth. - Includes all life and most weather Stratosphere- above the troposphere, this extends from roughly 16 to 50 km (10-31 miles). (contains ozone)

Ozone Ozone is beneficial in the stratosphere but dangerous in the troposphere.  Ground level ozone is classified as a pollutant because it reduces lung functionality AND it can degrade plant surfaces. The smog that frequently exists in major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, CA is known as brown smog and consists primarily of ozone.

Ozone The protective layer of stratospheric ozone absorbs over 99% of incoming UV-B and UV-C radiation. The depletion of ozone is largely due to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These were mostly used in aerosol cans (spray paint and air fresheners) The Montreal Protocol in 1987 was an international agreement that allowed for a reduction, and eventual elimination, of CFC production (at least within the 108 participating countries).

Ozone Ozone is depleting over Antarctica - faster during August through November (when it’s spring in the southern hemisphere)